The Children’s Hour

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Forever Young

The Songs of Childhood

In case you’re wondering — yes, this is a Best of Music Inside Out program. But the topic is universal. The songs we hear in childhood — even the ones we don’t like — help shape our feelings about the music we love as adults.

Nearly all of the guests who’ve appeared on Music Inside Out have talked about the songs they heard growing up. And those early songs and artists are partially responsible for the unique and varied musical landscape of Louisiana. What goes into little ears often helps build music careers. And, for that, we are grateful.

So next time Irma Thomas comes on the radio, thank Roy Rogers, or B.B. King. And when you hear Jon Cleary play New Orleans piano, you might want to remember The Stranglers or Burning Spear. But when you hear Allen Toussaint — thank everybody. He’s heard ‘em all.

Forever Young Guests

Forever Young - The Children's Hour guests montage

Show excerpts featured this week were taken from longer interviews with guests on Music Inside Out. To hear the interviews in their entirety, please click on the links below:

Irma Thomas    Meschiya Lake    Tom Sancton    Terence Blanchard    David Egan

Don Vappie    Jason Marsalis    Rickie Lee Jones    Jon Cleary    Allen Toussaint #1

Can You Solve This Puzzle?

It’s said musicians have the biggest ears on the planet, even when they (and the ears) are little ones. Can you match the artist to the childhood influence? (Feel free to go back to their show and check. It’s not cheating … it’s research.)

1. Sonny Landreth
2. Jeremy Davenport
3. A.J. Croce
4. Susan Cowsill
5. Alex McMurray
6. Jim McCormick
7. Givonna Joseph
8. John Boutte
9. Reggie Scanlan
10. Taj Mahal

a. Staple Singers
b. Lena Horne
c. Herb Alpert
d. Stevie Wonder
e. Styx
f. Led Zeppelin
g. B.B. King
h. Led Zeppelin
i. Elmore James
j. Jerry Jemott

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